Effect of a pepsin-inhibitory pentapeptide upon the peptic activity and acidity of gastric secretion.

The effect of a pepsin-inhibiting pentapeptide, pepstatin, upon the peptic activity and gastric acidity was investigated in 9 men with ulcer dyspepsia and a high acid output. Subtotal inhibition of peptic activity was obtained, basally as well as after broth stimulation, as early as 15 minutes after the method of administration, and the inhibition remained almost unchanged during the 60 minutes of the experimental period. The acidity was not affected by pepstatin. No side-effects occurred. The results confirm preliminary reports on the pepsin-inhibitory activity of the drug. It is concluded that pepstatin ought to be investigated with regard to its clinical effect upon peptic ulcer.